Astoria Council OKs lease extension for Bumble Childcare at Old Yacht Club after owners ask for longer term

The Astoria City Council on May 5 approved a lease amendment extending Bumble Childcare’s use of the city-owned Old Yacht Club building after the center’s co-owners described rapid growth and plans for a second site.

Bumble co-owner Angie Jonas told the council the facility now serves about 75 children and is the largest child-care provider in Clatsop County, including a stated 21 infants. "The space that you have provided us helps ensure the sustainability and security of children in our community," Jonas said. The owners said they requested a longer term to meet grantors’ expectations and to support a planned second site for infants.

The lease amendment as presented would extend the center’s use of the Old Yacht Club building through the date written in the amendment, shown in the staff packet as "02/1930," and would include a five-year renewal option at the end of the amended term. City Manager Ryan Spence told the council Bumble has been in the building since 2022 and that the center currently enrolls about 77 children under the existing agreement.

Councilors pressed staff for clarity on timing and rationale. Councilor Davis asked why the extension was being granted now rather than waiting until closer to the current lease expiration; Parks and Recreation Director Jonah D. McClain said the owners approached the city seeking earlier assurance so grant funders would see a longer commitment. Councilor Adams asked about Bumble’s long-range plans; co-owner Amy Atkinson said the organization is training staff into administrative roles and is pursuing grants to buy a nearby house that would become a satellite site for infants, freeing space at the current location for toddlers.

During public comment, Jonas outlined Bumble’s history, services and financial strain from summer enrollment fluctuations. She said Bumble accepts ERDC subsidies and Navy/Coast Guard subsidies, employs 24 people, pays staff above minimum wage and provides free child care to staff with children. Jonas said a potential grant would let the center purchase a second property two minutes from the current site to relocate 16 infants and create additional toddler capacity; she added that if the grant is not awarded, Bumble would seek community funding.

Councilor Lum moved the motion to accept the lease amendment; Councilor Adams seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with the council saying "aye." The record does not show a roll-call tally for this vote.

The council did not adopt other new conditions for the lease during the meeting. The co-owners thanked the council for the extension and said they plan to remain in the city and continue work on staffing and accreditation.